as in innovative
introducing new ideas or methods
She was honored for her groundbreaking work in nuclear physics. a groundbreaking new book
Related Words
Relevance
Dissimilar Words
Example Sentences
Examples are automatically compiled from online sources to
show current usage.
Read More
Opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors.
Send us feedback.
Recent Examples of groundbreaking
The discovery of the traces of the first troop camp marks a significant and groundbreaking moment in archaeological research.
—
Maria Mocerino, Interesting Engineering, 25 Apr. 2026
This documentary explores the life and legacy of Sly Stone and his groundbreaking band, Sly & the Family Stone, while delving into the broader themes of the pressures and complexities faced by Black artists navigating success.
—Brande Victorian, HollywoodReporter, 23 Apr. 2026
White was speaking at a groundbreaking event Tuesday at the agency’s Anderson-Magnarelli Valley Laboratory in Windsor, where the major renovations will begin later this month.
—Angela Eichhorst, Hartford Courant, 2 Apr. 2026
The cast’s press tour looks have been killer, with Meryl Streep’s earning a groundbreaking (wink, wink) rating from me.
—Eva Thomas, InStyle, 2 Apr. 2026
See All Example Sentences for groundbreaking
Maria Mocerino, Interesting Engineering, 25 Apr. 2026
This documentary explores the life and legacy of Sly Stone and his groundbreaking band, Sly & the Family Stone, while delving into the broader themes of the pressures and complexities faced by Black artists navigating success.
—Brande Victorian, HollywoodReporter, 23 Apr. 2026
White was speaking at a groundbreaking event Tuesday at the agency’s Anderson-Magnarelli Valley Laboratory in Windsor, where the major renovations will begin later this month.
—Angela Eichhorst, Hartford Courant, 2 Apr. 2026
The cast’s press tour looks have been killer, with Meryl Streep’s earning a groundbreaking (wink, wink) rating from me.
—Eva Thomas, InStyle, 2 Apr. 2026
See All Example Sentences for groundbreaking
Recent Examples of Synonyms for groundbreaking
Adjective
-
Sign up for our weekly, original newsletter that goes beyond the annual Disruptor 50 list, offering a closer look at list-making companies and their innovative founders.—
Krysta Escobar,
CNBC,
19 May 2026
-
Goldschmied exits Daily Blue to launch Goldie, another woman’s jeans brands characterized by innovative production techniques like the use of pigments and garment dyeing.—
Maria Cristina Pavarini,
Footwear News,
18 May 2026
Adjective
-
Leah became chief creative officer of the niche fragrance line Skylar and was on Forbes’s 2026 30 Under 30 list for her social media reach.—
Anna Peele,
Vanity Fair,
14 May 2026
-
The creative team is not so much interested in nostalgia but feels there is a timely urgency behind revisiting the model’s life.—
Georg Szalai,
HollywoodReporter,
14 May 2026
Adjective
-
While the story is fundamentally the same as the original production — man discovers wife is having an affair, man then plots for his wife’s murder, man then must evade the cops — Hatcher brings the story to the 21st century in many ways.—
Amy Reyes
May 14,
Miami Herald,
14 May 2026
-
Chaiyaphum is the Thai province where the original fossils were discovered.—
Briana Alvarado,
ABC News,
14 May 2026
Adjective
-
The creature changes color and shape instantly, solves novel problems, and even regrows damaged limbs.—
Steve Denning,
Forbes.com,
17 May 2026
-
In 1987, such genuine earnestness in a song that was actually about something was novel and welcome to listeners like me, who felt alienated by Top 40 radio but were too sheltered to encounter, let alone embrace, hardcore or rap.—
Dan Kois,
Pitchfork,
17 May 2026
Adjective
-
But the most clever way to take advantage of this trend?—
Diana Tsui,
Footwear News,
15 May 2026
-
This clever ruse thwarted the late-summer naval attack.—
Kaitlyn Yarborough,
Southern Living,
15 May 2026
Adjective
-
Neighbors Café, a breakfast and lunch counter spot, skews healthy with wellness drinks like a supershroom latte, fresh juices and smoothies, and overnight oats (there are also tasty pastries and breakfast sandwiches).—
Condé Nast,
Condé Nast Traveler,
18 May 2026
-
For the Iowa City Public Library, the largest in Iowa, the role of the distributor is but one step in a process to get a fresh book onto its shelves.—
Adeel Hassan,
New York Times,
18 May 2026
Cite this Entry
“Groundbreaking.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/groundbreaking. Accessed 21 May. 2026.
Copy CitationLove words? Need even more definitions?
Merriam-Webster unabridged
